Pigs reared and killed at primary school

Eastfield Primary School has defended a scheme for rearing pigs before they
are turned into sausages and offered to parents for a donation.

Pigs are raised as part of a small farming operation at Eastfield Primary School in Thurmaston and later made into sausagesPhoto: REUTERS

By Richard Savill

7:00AM BST 13 May 2009

The animals are raised as part of a small farming operation at the school, in Thurmaston, Leics, and later made into sausages. Parents can make donations if they want to eat the sausages.

One parent, who has not been named, told The Sun newspaper; "Children have to learn where their food comes from, but this seems insensitive."

Bill Griffiths, the headmaster, said the scheme had been a "huge success" with parents and children.

Pupils also look after sheep, ducks and chickens and grow fruit and vegetables. Last year the school was awarded a prize by Think Food and Farming, a national campaign aimed at promoting healthy living.

Mr Griffiths said: "Every parent and pupil I have spoken to loves the scheme and we have not heard a breath of criticism. It is attracting parents to us. It teaches children about organic, ethical food grown outdoors and we have had only good feedback."

He said the school was on its third set of pigs and added: "We have just brought in three more for rearing.

"I had a leg from one of the last batch which I ate for Sunday lunch with my family. It was delicious."

He added: "The talking point here is do we want children to grow up in ignorance, or do we want them to grow up making informed choices? We are trying to lead the way in terms of outdoor learning and awareness of all health issues."